SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1706

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development, March 23, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the dairy inspection program assessment.

Brief Description:  Extending the dairy inspection program assessment.

Sponsors:  Representatives Koster, Chandler, Johnson, McMorris, Honeyford, Mastin, Boldt, Clements, Benton, McMahan, Smith, Kremen and Robertson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development:  3/23/95 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & AGRICULTURAL TRADE & DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Rasmussen, Chair; Loveland, Vice Chair; A. Anderson, Bauer, Morton, Newhouse and Snyder.

Staff:  Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background:  The Department of Agriculture administers the state's milk inspection program.  In 1992, an assessment of 0.54 cents per hundredweight was established on all milk processed within the state.  The revenue from the assessment may be used only to provide inspection services to the dairy industry; it is used for on-farm dairy inspections regarding compliance with the requirements of the federal Pasteurized Milk Ordinance.

The assessment is collected from the operator of the first milk plant receiving the milk for processing.  It is scheduled to expire June 30, 1995. 

Summary of Bill:   The expiration of the dairy inspection assessment is postponed until June 30, 2000.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 16, 1995.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  This assessment needs to be extended in order that the dairy and milk inspection program is adequately funded.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Mike Schwisow, OR-WA Dairy Processors Assn.; Dan Coyne, WA State Dairy Federation.